You will be spending a minimum of four years of your life, grooming your intellect in any university you choose to attend after leaving secondary school. Choosing the wrong university may result in future regrets that could even make you drop out of school. That a university is the right one for your friends or relatives doesn’t mean it will be right for you.
As much as it can be difficult to narrow down your university preferences, knowing exactly what you want or what a suitable university for you should like will make a great deal of difference. Here are some important things you should consider before picking a university:
Tuition
You want to be sure that you’d be able to afford the overall tuition fees that are payable in your dream school. Even if you will be getting funding to pay the fees, be sure that you will be able to pay it back. You don’t want to get stuck halfway through college with no idea of where to get funding or be way over your head in debt.
Note, not all expensive universities are the best. Focus on finding which university offers the best programs, regardless of price.
Location
How far or near from home would you like your university to be? Do you want to be dropping in every weekend to see the parents and get foodstuffs or would you like to be solely independent? Your answers to these questions should guide your decision.
You should also consider the university’s environment. Are you an urban or rural type? If you like your peace and quiet or like reading without car horns intruding your space, then you’d do well to choose a university in the rural parts.
Programs
This is one of the most important factors you should consider. After all, the major reason you are going to the university is to pursue a program and become a certificate holder. So it is essential that you pick a university that has a stronger program in the field you intend to study. That way, you’d get better access to the best professors in the field as well as to research opportunities and networking in that field.
Accommodation
Do the universities you are considering applying to have sufficient accommodation? Remaining on the waiting list for a hostel when the academic year has kicked off is usually an unpleasant experience. So ensure you check out the available accommodation within and around the university. If you can afford to rent a place off-campus, it’s advisable to know what the cost of accommodation is in that area. Try as much as possible to avoid future unpleasant surprises by visiting the university and doing your research.
University Culture
It’s not uncommon to hear about sadistic lecturers frustrating students by berating them or abusing them. Besides that, combining attending lectures and preparing for exams with challenges in your personal life can be overwhelming. A good university that cares about the wellbeing of its students would have structures like health and wellness centers, clubs or societies in place to cater to the mental health of its students.
Choose a school that you will feel comfortable being in for more than three years.
